You may be noticing a web site update (long overdue)! It is all very mobile friendly now and easy to navigate.

Kiln me now has moved down the street to 405 Main so we could both spread out.

I moved a wall in the studio so now it is much more open and roomy. I will easily be able to accommodate a larger group now.

I have opened up a new marketing venue for you called Studio To Go. It is a walk-in flexible hour way to create and paint. I have lots of projects ready for you do do. All the supplies are here. The website studiotogo.merchantkitty.com will show the hours available at the top so you can see at a glance if I am open or when I will be open next and what projects are being offered. Those will change on a regular basis. There is lots of fun stuff to do for all ages so come in and check it out!

All this has put me a bit behind on the open party schedule, so I will be working on that and will have that available soon.

New Ways to Keep in Touch

So many exciting things are going on at Merchant Kitty! First of all, we have a new app for Android! The app will allow you to see all the upcoming classes at a glance! It is in early development, so be kind and help us with the feedback. We will slowly get it to be amazing. It’s a bit of a learning curve. The good news is, it will feature a $5 off coupon so all you loyal customers can continue to take advantage of 2017 prices! I know you iphone people are sad. We will hopefully find a way to get an app made for you too, but we have equipment issues (if you know someone who is selling a mac real cheap…) Until then, I will also give the $5 discount to those who subscribe to text alerts! (Text CREATE to 56654 to get started)

New Friends

Another big change is I am getting a roomate! Just Kiln Me Now will be moving into the front of the studio and will have pottery to paint! She will also have a kiln to service you and an embroidery machine, so that will be a fantastic addition to our creative area!

New Ways to Get Creative

This year you will also see lots of new crafts in addition to weekly paint nights. You will definitely want to keep and eye on the schedule so you don’t miss something! So here is a quick video to show you what is coming up in the next few weeks. And you can also check out the schedule (don’t forget to download the app too) at merchantkitty.com/currentschedule.html

It’s that time of year! When the world falls in love….with fun foods and decorations and creative ways to spruce up holiday gatherings! This month the craft emphasis is on ways to decorate your table and create beautiful tablescapes!

You may have had your Pinterest feed filled with lovely table settings, centerpieces and festive foods, but you know your limitations and don’t want to become the next famous Pinterest fail meme. Don’t worry, I’ve committed a thousand Pinterest fails so I can guide you safely through all the pitfalls for a lovely, disaster-free, pinnable, didn’t-you-know-I’m-Martha-Stewart-Thanksgiving!

Candle Transfers

Not just for your table top, after the family comes to visit and sees your awesome personalized candles, they are going to want one for Christmas! And you will be able to pop out a one-of-a-kind gift in no time and be able to have time and money for your holiday pedicure!

You can put literally ANYTHING on your candles! Make an anniversary candle with numbers down the side to burn the candle down to each year (or birthday candles). Photo candles to treat the grandmas. Monograms for those hard to shop for folks. Or make one to match your tableware.

Learn how November 11, 1:30pm

You will need to bring a light colored candle(s) And if you have any photos or graphics you would like to put on your candle, you should have access to that from your phone or mobile device. We will need to print that off during class. You will learn how to make your own custom candles from this class, but we will also go over how to use stamps for those who are technology challenged. The cost is $15 and you can bring more than one candle, all other supplies are provided. $15 / person (includes refreshments)

Primitive Crates made from reclaimed wood

Build your own crate for your tabletop centerpieces. We will also be personalizing them. Make them for the holidays, or neutral so you can use them all year. They make great gifts too, or fill them with goodies for a homemade giftbasket! You might get addicted and want to crank these out for the holidays too! They could hold your candles!

Learn how Thursday, November 16, 6:00pm
$20 / person all supplies included

Tableware Workshop

This is a less specific craft because we are just going to work out all the kinks to your specific task. We will be working on napkins, napkin rings, placecards, table runners, table cloths and placemats. I found all kinds of pins about linen napkins. Linen can run pretty high, so I found a creative workaround with duck cloth. There are loads of print options and you get a similar feel and you can still make them fringed. Of course if your heart is set on linen, you can bring that to. I can get two napkins out of every 20 to 24 inches of fabric. But if you get a little extra, you can make a matching table runner. I used a drop cloth for my table cloth and I love the look. So there are really so many different ways this thing can go. If you need help purchasing your supplies, give me a call and I will help you decide what you need to get.

Pumpkin Centerpiece

We are doing this centerpiece the day before Thanksgiving so those of you who love fresh arrangements can have it ready for the big day! You can use real or fake pumpkins or flowers.

For fresh flowers, you will need

wet foam

crisp fresh flowers (not wilted in the least)

Fresh Arrangement

For silk flowers you will need a dry foam disc (they are about 3 to 4 inches diameter)

Silk Arrangement with Live pumpkin

Your flowers should have an assortment of 3 or more sizes and be complementary colors. Keep in mind your pumpkin color and tableware colors.

fresh pumpkins if your arrangement sits on the top need to have short stems.

If you plan to cut your pumpkin open, be sure to feel all the sides for soft spots. They will be starting to rot this time of year. Also, if you are cutting it open, be sure to bring a container that will fit inside your pumpkin as your pumpkin may not be waterproof (who knew? Us Pinterest failures! That’s who! You’re welcome!)

Other fun things to add would be picks like a bird or scarecrow or glittered branches.

Pumpkin Centerpieces will be Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, Nov. 22, at 1:00 and the cost is $10